GoWest Board of Directors Spotlight: Jay Curtis, First Credit Union President & CEO

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on April 8, 2026

For Jay Curtis, President and CEO of First Credit Union and GoWest’s Board Chair, the Credit Union Movement is more than a career — it’s a calling rooted in stewardship, service, and a deep respect for the cooperative difference.

Curtis has been with First Credit Union for 23 years, including the past 16 as CEO. But his introduction to the industry began even earlier — and just next door.

His older sister served as a branch manager at OneAZ Credit Union for 26 years. When Curtis, then a young CPA, asked if he could become a teller, she quickly challenged him: What did he know about credit unions?

Instead, Curtis walked into First Credit Union, located next to his CPA firm, to secure a car loan. The experience left a lasting impression. “Everyone was so genuine and nice,” he recalled.

So at just 26 years old, Curtis ran for a board position at First Credit Union. He didn’t win — but his initiative didn’t go unnoticed. Six months later, then-CEO Fred Kent invited him to serve on the supervisory committee, recognizing both his enthusiasm and his CPA background. Curtis served in that role for eight years.

An Eye-Opening Experience on Capitol Hill

During his time on the supervisory committee, his exposure to the broader movement began to take shape.

While on supervisory committee, he had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. with other Arizona credit union volunteers and leaders during the fight over HR 1151 and remembers marveling at the thousands of credit union advocates gathered on Capitol Hill.

“Just seeing the masses of credit union volunteers, credit union people, there on the Capitol steps of Washington, D.C. — that was an eye-opener for me. That credit unions are special,” recalled Curtis. “I loved it as a member, and as a volunteer, I loved it. And then when I went to D.C. and I saw that this is a movement, it was really inspiring.”

“As a CPA, I’d worked with hundreds of companies in different industries,” Curtis said. “There was nothing like this — credit unions are special.”

From CFO to CEO

Curtis left public accounting to serve as CFO for Harley-Davidson dealerships in Scottsdale, Ariz., and in 2003, following the retirement of First Credit Union’s CFO, he returned to the credit union as CFO.

During his first year as CFO, Kent brought Curtis to the Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC), to which Kent had been many times. “‘I’ll show you around and show you what the Movement is all about,’ he told me,” Curtis said. Seeing thousands of credit union professionals and volunteers united in purpose was inspiring.

He served six years as CFO before becoming President and CEO when Kent retired in 2009.

Throughout his career, Curtis says mentorship and example played a defining role — particularly watching Kent serve as board chair of the Arizona League and give back to the Movement.

Stewardship and Service to the Movement

“We’re a steward of this Movement during the time that we’re here,” Curtis shared.

That philosophy ultimately led him to association service. Curtis served on the Mountain West Credit Union Association board during a pivotal moment in its history — the decision to merge with Northwest Credit Union Association to form GoWest.

“I’m incredibly proud of what GoWest has achieved,” Curtis said. “Its reputation, its focus on advocacy, leadership development, and being a resource that listens to all credit unions.”

He credits strong leadership and thoughtful decision-making during the merger process for shaping what GoWest is today and says he values the opportunity to represent not only Arizona credit unions, but the broader Movement across the region.

Investing in Community

Beyond the credit union industry, Curtis has also been deeply involved in his local community. When First Credit Union relocated its headquarters to downtown Chandler, the area was in need of revitalization. Curtis joined the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership to support redevelopment efforts centered around a live-work-play vision. He has also served on the board and executive committee of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, currently serves on the Chandler Chamber Foundation, and has contributed to advisory efforts for Chandler Regional Hospital during a major expansion.

Looking Ahead: Preserving What Makes Credit Unions Unique

His motivation to continue serving remains grounded in both history and vision.

“Remembering our history is important,” Curtis said. “Being a steward of the Movement, but also being a visionary — able to adapt, pivot, and do what’s needed to remain relevant — while preserving what’s unique and special about credit unions.”

He believes advocacy is central to that preservation.

“Being involved and being informed are critical,” he said. “If you take your eye off the ball, someone else can make decisions that greatly impact you. Banking is becoming a commodity, and we can’t allow ourselves as a Movement to be defined by someone outside of it.”

“It’s important to me to be a good steward and watchman,” he said, thinking about what he hopes his long-term impact on the industry will be. “It’s my goal to make meaningful, positive decisions that benefit my credit union, the association, and ultimately the Movement as a whole.”

Above all, he emphasizes unity.

“I don’t like division — I like unification,” Curtis said. “Within this Movement, there’s enough challenge already without cracks within the family. I see the Credit Union Movement as one big family.”

For Curtis, service on the GoWest board is about listening, preserving the credit union difference, and helping ensure the Movement remains strong for those who follow.

“It’s our responsibility as stewards to only preserve but also strengthen that difference.”

Posted in Advocacy, Arizona, Board of Directors, GoWest Association, Leadership, Regional Member News, Top Headlines.